Mason Jar Snow Globe Tutorial

I had so much fun making this next project! I tend to grab mason jars from garage sales and thrift stores whenever I can find them (today I actually snagged a turquoise one!). They have so many uses, from baking to crafts projects. This weekend I turned a few of my mason jars into snow globes for Christmas!

2012 UPDATE: Since making this snow globe last year, I’m sad to say the dye from the tree turned the water in the globe green! I’m still trying to figure out a way to fix this issue (maybe coat the tree with a sealant first?). If you’re looking to use this snow globe for longer than one season, I don’t recommend you use green trees.

What you’ll need:

Any jar that seals

Distilled Water

Liquid Glycerin

Glitter

Figurines

Epoxy/Crazy Glue

(I found the glycerin at the drug store in the pharmacy section.)

Using the Crazy Glue, attach your figurines to the lid of the mason jar. Let them dry completely. (I waited 24 hours to be sure.)

Next, fill your jar almost to the top with distilled water. Add a dash of liquid glycerin (this is used to make the glitter fall more slowly). The amount is glitter you add is sort of at your own discretion. I ended up experimenting and some of mine have a lot of glitter and some don’t. Jordan’s has a ton. 😉 Screw the cap on tightly and shake your jar to get the glitter moving.

And you’re done! Give your Christmas decorations a pretty handmade touch this year using this easy tutorial!

HOLY CRAP. I’ve been making Christmas presents this year, and so I think this will be a wonderful addition to things I’m already doing! I have a ton of Mason jars, so I know it won’t be a problem. Thank you thank you thank you for sharing this.

…now here’s to hoping I won’t find a way to injure myself during said project. Knowing me, I will find a way.

your snow globes look absolutely fantastic! we shared a tutorial on our blog last year on how to make some. I’ve been making snow domes for many year and i strongly recommend using more than just a dash of glycerin, but destilled water and glycerin in a ratio of 1:1 for best results!

When I was a kid my mom and I made them with little plastic mini figurines out of my brother’s baby food jars. I use the plastic twin packs for my daughter, but I wish I had some jars, too, now. Might have to splurge on some lol.

Could you try waiting longer? I think the glue needs more time. If you did that already, then use a different brand of glue. Use Elmer’s or something. My first one did not go very well….not only did I end up shaking glitter but I was also shaking a jar filled with a few hairs…I know its gross

I used coarse glitter , I think it’s a little more heavy that the dust like stuff. It’s martha stewart brand, it worked well, the problem I had is the water turned green from the trees so now it’s all cloudy!

i made these with my class using babyfood jars and pictures i took of the students which i mounted on cardstock, glued and laminated at school. using sparkly white glitter for snow, they were adorable! i used regular tap water( why distilled?) and glycerin i ordered from amazon, a huge bottle for $11, much better price than cvs. this is a great craft, thanks for sharing!

I LOVE THESE AND YOU MAKE FUNNY CARDS, I TRIED TO JOIN YOUR SITE, GOOGLE SAID TRY LATER!!! WHAT KIND OF GLUE DID YOU USE? I WANT TO MAKE A COUPLE, ALSO THOUGHT ABOUT PUTTING A PHOTO IN ONE, NOT SURE WHAT TO PROTECT IT WITH?

To keep the water from turning green, maybe add a drop or 2 of bleach? I made the mistake of roughing up the lid to keep the trees adhere better, the bit of exposed metal died my water a brownish yellow. Doh!

Check with model railroaders supplies for trees. However, if you are using glycerin, it will preserve natural twigs and small plant life, often used by model railroaders for over 40 years of my life. There are model railroad “How To” books written specifically on scale plant life, using natures own produce. Worth a try when you are making scale scenery.

2013 Saw this in Southern Living Magazine and tried it. I too had the dye color transfer overnight to make green snowmen and other such silliness!!! I am looking for something that makes them colorfast! It’s a great idea and fun to do with children…. but the dye shaded the water and discolored the objects.

Has anyone else had one that went really cloudy?? I’ve changed the water 3 times and within an hour or so it goes cloudy again. Please help! My email address is hmlee1980@hotmail.com. Please feel free to email if u have any guess that might help. I know alot of people wondering about cloudy globes. Me and some friends decided to make them as gifts. I think a few will be late

I made some and my nephew had them now for 3 years and have not had a problem at all. I cant remember if his has a tree. I will have to look. I know it has a horse. and I used white outside chalking that made it look like piles of snow.

I made some of the snow globes over the years and also had trouble with the water turning gross, no matter what ratio of water and glycerin that I used. Someone finally said it’s because algae grows in the water. They suggested using a water bed algae eating treatment, if you can find it. Surely, there has to be some of that out there somewhere. I know that most people don’t have waterbeds these days, but I’m betting there are still a few of them somewhere. Good luck. : )..

to keep the water from turning green, try buy the plastic kind of tiny trees. most craft stores have them. hobby shops that specialize in train sets also have them. and we all know that plastic does not rot, change color or disintegrate for eons